Examines family research and its cultural setting in 1937, then reports on changes and commonalities in research topics, research methods, and use of theory from 1937 through 1987. Offers general evaluations of current research and suggestions for changes that might increase productivity of family research. (Author)

This reply to an article on educational research by Chester E. Finn agrees that the U.S. Department of Education does not give enough support to research, but disagrees with Finn's analysis. What is needed is a strong infrastructure for educational research. This in turn will inspire educators to identify and examine the important questions. (VM)

Scientific inquiry used in special education research has limited effectiveness and applicability to practice. Three interrelated areas are discussed in the context of improving research methodology and utilization: alternative approaches to research in special education; the class distinction between teachers and researchers; and practical…

The research model presented here is designed to be used by practitioners who either do not have substantial training in research methodology or do not have the time to design and document involved procedures. (SK)

Describes a training model which begins with the collaboration of community actors and university-based or university-trained researchers on community research. Results are then used with sympathetic sectors of service institutions to bring about changes in the organization of service delivery. (Author/CJM)

Today's white researchers are perhaps counterproductive in black communities not because they are white, but because they are poorly trained: equally if not more important are the values which the researcher acquires as a result of his professional training. (Author/JM)

Attempts to delineate some grounds for expansion of the knowledge base within the field of minority studies and more generally within sociology: minority research is seen as one acute instance of a general malaise in sociology. (Author/JM)

Article concentrates on historians who are becoming proficient in utilizing computer technology for research purposes. (RK)

Examines research reviews on exceptional schools and summarizes findings on the leadership, efficacy, and efficiency dimensions of effective schooling. Discusses strengths and weaknesses of the research, and suggests ways that research can be used to improve schools. (MJL)

Suggests guidelines for evaluating and using the findings of research in the classroom. (JL)

Examines an instructional research study (by S. W. Pflaum and E. T. Pascarella) according to several criteria for designing educational research and questions whether the information provided by context-stripping research paradigms can be of genuine use in helping teachers understand and create effective conditions for reading to learn. (MKM)

Differences in approaches to research into student learning are analyzed in terms of differences in the conception of six aspects of the research process. It is argued that underlying various strategies there is a variation in perspective, description, conceptualization, relations of categories, comprehension, and application of findings.…

Perceived lack of quality in educational research is due to length of time to see results, the disarray of the field, and politicization. Improvements are needed in conceptualization, methodology, and the composition and technical format of research reports. (SK)